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Pat Cummins Amazed by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Overlooking Kohli & Dhoni in IPL

Rahul Verma · · 4 min read
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Pat Cummins Praises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Overlooking Cricket’s Giants

In a candid admission that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, Australia’s Test and ODI captain, Pat Cummins, revealed the player who most recently left him genuinely stunned on the field. What makes this revelation particularly striking is that Cummins, one of the sport’s premier fast bowlers and a leader of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, did not name any of the established titans of Indian cricket such as Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, or Rohit Sharma. Instead, the cricketer who profoundly impressed Cummins was none other than the prodigious young talent, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Sooryavanshi’s electrifying assault against Cummins’ own Sunrisers Hyderabad in Jaipur during IPL 2026 was the performance that captivated the seasoned international star. The Rajasthan Royals batter dominated the SRH attack with an unforgettable knock, leaving even a bowler of Cummins’ caliber in awe.

The Moment That Stunned Pat Cummins in IPL 2026

The Indian Premier League is renowned for its explosive batting displays, and IPL 2026 has been no exception. Pat Cummins, leading a formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad side boasting one of the tournament’s most dangerous batting lineups, has had a front-row seat to many such performances. Yet, one individual’s batting prowess stood out above all others for him.

During a recent interaction with the Times of India at an event in Noida, Cummins was asked to recall the last time he was left utterly speechless watching a cricket or IPL match unfold. His response was immediate and unequivocal: “Went wow? Probably seeing Sooryavanshi going nuts against me.” This statement specifically referenced the unforgettable assault unleashed by the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during Rajasthan Royals’ clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier in the season in Jaipur.

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Cummins’ acknowledgment is a powerful testament to the impact Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already made at such a tender age. His fearless approach to batting, characterized by an aggressive mindset and audacious strokeplay, has consistently troubled opposition bowlers throughout what has been a truly sensational IPL campaign for the youngster.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Century Against SRH: A Masterclass

The innings that left Pat Cummins helpless and utterly stunned was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s breathtaking century against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Jaipur. The then 15-year-old fearlessly took on the SRH captain and his bowling unit from the very start of the contest. Demonstrating remarkable confidence and power, Vaibhav even dispatched Cummins for a massive six in the Australian’s very first over, a clear statement of intent that set the tone for his innings.

What followed was an exhibition of audacious hitting, culminating in a blistering century scored in just 36 balls. This unforgettable knock was clearly etched in the SRH captain’s memory, prompting his recent comments. Such a performance, particularly against a world-class attack led by Cummins, underscores Sooryavanshi’s immense talent and mental fortitude under pressure.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: IPL’s Emerging Batting Phenomenon

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has undeniably emerged as one of the most compelling stories of the IPL over the last two seasons. The Rajasthan Royals youngster has seamlessly transitioned from a promising talent into a genuine batting phenomenon, earning admiration across the cricketing world. After making significant headlines with a record-breaking debut season, Vaibhav has elevated his game even further in the current year.

He has consistently dominated bowling attacks with fearless strokeplay and an ultra-aggressive approach, a style rarely seen from cricketers of such a young age. His ability to maintain a high attacking intent throughout his innings while still producing match-winning contributions for his franchise has been remarkable.

  • Runs Scored: Sooryavanshi has already amassed an impressive 579 runs in IPL 2026.
  • Strike Rate: His staggering strike-rate stands at 236.32, showcasing his incredible scoring pace.
  • Sixes: He has hammered an astounding 53 sixes this season, which now stands as the most sixes by an Indian batter in a single IPL edition.
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These statistics powerfully illustrate how his fearless power-hitting ability has not only changed the complexion of matches but has also provided immense entertainment for cricket fans throughout the tournament. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rise is a clear indication of the exciting future of Indian cricket, and his ability to leave a player of Pat Cummins’ stature speechless is perhaps the highest compliment a young batter could receive.

Rahul Verma

Rahul Verma is a senior cricket correspondent for NDTV Sports, recognised for bringing broadcast‑style clarity and data‑enriched narratives to digital sports journalism. A proud graduate of Hansraj College, University of Delhi, he started his career in radio commentary before moving into newsroom reporting. Rahul’s ability to decode complex match situations with the precision of an analyst and the flair of a storyteller has made him a trusted voice for millions of NDTV viewers and readers. He covers the Indian team across all formats and is a constant presence during the IPL, where he combines ball‑by‑ball coverage with behind‑the‑scenes insights on team strategies. His reporting also shines a light on the thriving grassroots cricket scene in North India, unearthing talent from school tournaments to state‑level age‑group cricket. A recipient of the Exchange4media Broadcasting Award and a RedInk prize, Rahul believes the best cricket stories are told with equal parts data, drama, and heart.